Italy 'as corrupt as it was two decades ago'

Italy is as corrupt now as when scandals toppled the political establishment
two decades ago, Justice Minister Paola Severino said on Sunday as she tries
to push through an anti-graft law.

Paola Severino compared the current situation to that two decades ago, when a series of scandals brought down the Cold War political establishmentPhoto: AP

12:36AM BST 15 Oct 2012

The unusually strong comments come as the unelected minister tries to pressure the very parties being targeted by anti-corruption investigators into backing the law, on which the Senate will vote this week.

The legislation has languished for two years and must be passed quickly if it is to take effect before an election in six months.

Severino compared the current situation to that two decades ago, when a series of scandals brought down the Cold War political establishment.

"This is a second Bribesville, and it seems unavoidable to say so. The sheer number of cases that have come to light make it evident," she told SkyTG24 television.

The comment is likely to rile former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and much of the centre-right.

Mr Berlusconi, who supports the current government, has repeatedly said the "Bribesville" scandal was a coup led by left-wing prosecutors against the parties that ruled Italy for more than 40 years after World War Two.

Mario Monti took over an unelected government in November to save Italy from a Greek-style debt debacle, replacing Berlusconi, himself on trial for having sex with an under age prostitute and corrupting a public official.

Mr Berlusconi's People of Liberty party has been the worst tarnished by the scandals, which are lifting support for populist, anti-establishment politicians.